Overview: Based on the smash-hit series of the same name by cult manga artist Junji Itō (Uzumaki), Tomie tells the tale of an evil high-school seductress identifiable by a beauty mark beneath her left eye, whose bewitching kiss drives men to madness.

Photography student Tsukiko (Mami Nakamura, Tokyo Trash Baby, Love Exposure) is plagued by violent dreams as she struggles to recall long-suppressed memories following a teenage trauma with the help of psychiatrist Dr. Hosono (Yoriko Douguchi, Cure, Charisma).

Meanwhile, as Detective Harada (Tomorō Taguchi, Tetsuo: The Iron Man) leads an investigation into a missing high-school girl, he discovers a long line of similar cases that can be traced back decades, with all of the victims going by the name of Tomie Kawakami, and all slaughtered and decapitated by jealous lovers before they reach womanhood.

Meanwhile, Tsukiko’s new neighbor seems to be harboring something nasty in the downstairs apartment, something which rapidly begins to take on a dangerous form.

Arrow Video is proud to present this key title from the J-Horror boom of the late 1990s, which spawned a string of sequels, for the first time on Blu-ray outside of Japan, with a host of newly produced extras.

Blu-ray Verdict: Tomie’s atmosphere is so, so on point. Good lighting, late-night vibes, and a dreamy feel to it all. It’s slow-paced and has that distinct 1990’s low-budget quality, but the story at the center of it all is compelling. And the score? Chef’s kiss. So odd but accompanies the unsettling imagery perfectly.

Now, I must openly admit that I haven’t explored much of Junji Ito’s work. I would say I have admired his artwork from a distance all my life. I’ve always thought his artwork looked stunning whenever it would pop up on my social media feeds, but I have never actually taken the time to read any of the manga. I think it’s about time I change that.

Anyways, because I never read Tomie, I had zero expectations for the film adaptation. The low average rating had me a bit concerned, but I ended up enjoying what I saw, and I think it did the best thing it could have done for someone in my position – motivate me to want to tackle the manga sooner rather than later.

I also benefitted from watching with my dear friend Cody, who is familiar with the manga and how these two pieces differ. He enjoyed the film, too, but through discussing with him, I understood why this film adaptation might disappoint fans of the manga.

To my understanding, the manga is more confrontational. By that, I mean the imagery is much more in your face and bizarre – it leaves a lasting, inescapable impression. The film, on the other hand, is a very subdued affair. It takes its time crafting a weird feeling and uncomfortable atmosphere.

It’s never oppressively uncomfortable, though. Instead, it induces a very minimal yet constant sense of unease, and as more elements of the story reveal themselves, the more impressively spooky it gets.

Maybe it’s not a great adaptation. I won’t know until I finally read the manga. But it’s very decent for what it is. Plus, as I said, it did the most important thing it could do – inspire me to seek out the source material. Just like One Missed Call, don’t let the low average reviews from around the world over the years deceive you! There are more things to like than dislike here, and as far as I am concerned, the central mystery, aesthetic, and atmosphere made for a rather excellent late-night watch with a good friend.

LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS:
High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
Original lossless 5.1 and 2.0 stereo audio
Optional English subtitles
Brand new audio commentary by critic and Japanese cinema expert Amber T.
It’s a Girl’s World, a brand new interview with director Ataru Oikawa
Scream Queen, a brand new interview with actress Mami Nakamura
From Manga to Screen, a brand new interview with producer Mikihiko Hirata
Trailer
Image gallery
Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Zack Davisson and Eugene Thacker
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck

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